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The Japanese Masterpiece That Lost Its Head: The 1,000-Year-Old Usuki Stone Buddha

A stone Buddha whose fallen head once lay at its base underwent restoration in the twentieth century, and its downward gaze now invites viewers to look up with renewed reverence.

  • Ōita Prefecture houses 400 magaibutsu, 70% of Japan's total.
  • Usuki's 61 Heian-Kamakura period stone Buddhas earn national treasure status.
  • Dainichi Nyorai's head fell off in Edo period, preserved for history.

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